Triple E virus found in Exeter

CONCORD (AP) — The New Hampshire Health Department says a batch of mosquitoes in Exeter has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the first finding of the virus in the state this year.

In 2012, there were 13 positive tests for EEE, including nine mosquito batches and four animals.

Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and sore throat. There is no treatment for the disease, which can lead to seizures and coma. The health department says symptoms usually occur four to 10 days after being bitten.

Six batches of another mosquito-related disease, the West Nile Virus, have tested positive so far this season.

State Public Health Director Jose Montero said the finding does not change the low risk level in Exeter.

“This is the first identified positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in New Hampshire this season, but unfortunately it is not unexpected,” he said. “These two viruses tend to appear in waves and some years there are more positives than others, so we don’t really know what the rest of the season has in store. This is all the more reason why people should take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.”